The baby makes it to the beach early in 1999.
Nags Head We were fortunate to have the use of a terrific condo set on the Atlantic in the heart of Nags Head on North Carolina's Outer Banks (NPS Map).
The
effects of a weeklong nor'easter welcomed us on Friday. The white caps seemed to cover the
entire Atlantic. The storm made the view more dramatic than usual. Winds up to 40 miles
per hour created 8 to 10 foot waves for the first few days.
Blowing, moist sand coated windows and made taking pictures or flying kites tricky. Walking was tough at times.
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Fishing
piers about two miles both north and south are usually in view. Visibility was less than
that with a ceiling of only 300 feet.
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This beach baby was born to fly regardless of the weather.
With the toughest kite (a parafoil) in hand, the winds were "tamed." The
Delta-Conyne, French Military, and Seagull kites were aloft by Monday's 20 mph breeze. I
soon learned not only to wear a glove to handle the string, but to remember which hand it
is on. Oops - I cut the dickens out of my finger!
Lightened winds drew us out onto Nags Head Fishing Pier after breakfast at the
restaurant. Here you can have them cook your catch. Next time we fish.
This view "peers" south toward the condo. Jockey's Ridge is visible in the middle of the frame. This is just one of many Outer Banks attractions.
Outer Banks Golf As luck would have it our tee times Monday and Wednesday mornings brought out the sun.
The
strong winds Monday enhanced the Scottish links effect. If you are ever in the area and
desire a challenging round on a 6,126 yard course by all means try the Nags Head Golf Links. This is
one of those courses that is easier to play the second time. The soundside holes are
beautiful. Dunes, water, tight fairways, Bentgrass, and hard-to-spot landing areas abound.
This seemed to help me focus and play better.
Wednesday's weather was better and my game worse. We played The Pointe Golf Club. The
greens were its best feature - just terrific. Sadly the roughs were better than the uncut,
blotchy fairways. Tuffs of lush green grass and weeds were almost as prevalent as the
dormant Bermuda. If you want to enjoy this course check the condition first. They say the
fairways are lush in summer.
Cape
Hatteras May was the month crews prepared the famous lighthouse to be moved this summer. Storm surges that brought sand over the road to Buxton discouraged a trip there. The move may also be viewed in "cyber time" thanks to Live Cam - the next best thing to being there.
Kitty Hawk Come Thursday the skies cleared. We took a couple hours in the morning to visit the Wright Brothers Memorial, site of the first official motorized flight. Fortunately the Wrights took more pictures than I - about 300 photographs. Some are available online. You will also want to see the National Park Service web site.
This view from
the top of Kill Devil Hill is similar to Orville's view from the glider at takeoff for
over 1,000 flights to perfect wing and steering design.
The visitor Center and main parking are in the upper right. A road encircles the hill and monument from which this picture was taken. (Park Map)
At the end of the foot-worn path (above) are stone markers of the original motor powered
flights. The largest (left) marks the takeoff point while three smaller stones
beyond spot early attempts. A single stone barely visible at the end of the path is the
landing spot of the first fully controlled and powered flight December 17, 1903.
Just east of the stone takeoff marker are two simple
structures the Wrights used for building and rebuilding their crafts. A small space
(right) served as the kitchen of their living quarters. (1902 Wright photo)
Note the ladder and one of the bunks mounted in the rafters for sleeping. The structures were so basic that sand would blow in through cracks in the walls. This had to be an improvement over the earlier camp.
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The memorial is inspirational. The trip was sensational.
Outer Banks Web Sites These are some useful links not already provided in the text above. Browse them to enhance the anticpation of your OBX vacation or move.
The
Outer Banks Online Beach Guide Get information about Outer Banks businesses from the local free guides. Visit these web sites for the latest highlights or request their newsstand copy. You may even find current real estate listings among these sites' links.
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Copyright 1999 Doug Wilson. All Rights Reserved.
